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The 2012 BMW 328i fuel economy slashed by the feds

When BMW introduced the redesigned 2012 3 Series, the German automaker stated that their internal testing found that the new 328i would offer 36 miles per gallon but after going through the rigors of EPA testing, the company has been forced to lower their advertised fuel economy levels to just 33 miles per gallon – a reduction of almost 10% from where the company planned to be.

The 2012 BMW 328i comes with a 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged 4-cylinder that sends 240 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via an optional 8-speed transmission that features full control with the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. BMW found in their preliminary testing that this configuration of the 2012 328i would achieve 24 miles per gallon around town and 36 miles per gallon on the open road. However, do you know how those early estimates always have some fine print about how the actual fuel economy will depend on the EPA findings? Well, the EPA has spent time with the new 328i and in their opinion – the BMW fuel economy figures are a shade high.

After performing the standardized set of tests used to determine the official EPA rated fuel economy for vehicle sold in the United States, the EPA found that the 2012 BMW 328i with the 8-speed automatic sport transmission only yielded 23 miles per gallon in the city while the highway fuel economy dropped from 36 to 33mpg. BMW surely isn’t too happy with the new fuel economy figures that they are forced to use even though they believe that the official ratings should be higher but there is nothing that the German automaker can do about the ruling for this model year. Luckily, since the 2013 BMW 328i still dashes from 0-60 in just 5.9 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. There is also the sport tuned suspension and braking components that come on every new BMW model that makes these luxury sedans among the best “driving cars” in the world. Combine those facts with the ability to offer at least 33 miles per gallon on the open road and there are still plenty of good reasons for Americans to snatch up the newest 3 Series sedans. For a closer look at the 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan, click here!

Every automaker acknowledges that actual mileage figures experienced by the consumer can vary based on driving styles and driving conditions, with BMW reiterating that they were able to get 36mpg on the highway so consumers may be able to reach those lofty numbers as well. However, since the EPA says 33mpg – 33mpg is what BMW will be forced to advertise on those 2012 328i sedans sold with the 8-speed automatic transmission in the United States.

Automakers always offer their own fuel economy numbers with the disclaimer that actual fuel economy numbers will vary based on the EPA estimates. It is not unusual for there to be some discrepancy between what an automaker and the EPA find in terms of fuel economy figured but considering the 10% difference in highway fuel economy and the 1mpg difference around town – the folks at BMW have made the changes on their company website to reflect the EPA figures…much to their chagrin.